The Night (Al-Layl)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
I CALL THE night to witness when it covers over, 1 and by the day as it appears radiantly, 2 And by Who created the male and female, 3 surely your strivings are divergent. 4 Yet he who gives to others and has fear, 5 for those who spend for the cause of God, 6 We shall surely ease him to the Easing. 7 And for him who hoarded wealth and remained carefree, 8 And gives the lie to the best,- 9 We shall pave his way to hardship, 10 and their wealth will be of no benefit to them when they face destruction. 11 Indeed, [incumbent] upon Us is guidance. 12 And lo! unto Us belong the latter portion and the former. 13 Wherefore I have warned you of Fire flaming, 14 where none shall burn except the most wicked, 15 Who denied (the truth) and turned away. 16 And away from it shall be kept the one who guards most (against evil), 17 He who spends his wealth for increase in self-purification, 18 And no one has with him any boon for which he should be rewarded, 19 but only out of a longing for the countenance of his Sustainer, the All-Highest: 20 And he shall soon be well-pleased. 21